Skiing in Heavenly

Where We Stayed: Edgewood Tahoe

Walking through the large wooden doors, you are greeted by one of the most spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. In the Great Room, floor to ceiling windows create the backdrop for a warm, modern lobby that welcomes you to the Edgewood Tahoe. 

The expansive lakeside property boasts 154 different rooms and suites all with gas-burning fireplaces, balconies, and the most snuggle-worthy linens. The customer service is second to none, with all attention to detail thoughtfully orchestrated. From the ski concierge to their 8,500 square foot spa, no expense was spared to make this the ultimate weekend getaway. 

One huge perk available at this world class lodge: a free, readily available shuttle to take you into town at a moments notice. 

The hotels on-sight dining also includes a casual, yet delicious Bistro serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. An incredibly upscale, romantic dinner restaurant, The Edgewood, that was also named one of the most scenic restaurants in America by OpenTable. As well as a sports bar, Brooks, to catch the Sunday game with a cold beer and a lively crowd.

Whether you are looking for a cozy lodge to call home during your next ski-vacation, or are wanting a serene escape with sweeping views and a peaceful environment... The Edgewood Tahoe delivers in every aspect.

Our Ski Equipment: Ski Heavenly Rentals

When you are looking to escape the busy city life and really experience the great outdoors, what better way than skiing/boarding down the back bowls of a mountain. 

Now take that concept, add an incredible lake view, a good dose of sunshine, and plenty of runs (between two states) to explore and you'll have just arrived in Heaven... Well Heavenly that is. 

At just over 10,000 ft, Heavenly Mountain is a fabulous place to to catch the fresh air and powder, with all the comfort of quality restaurants and a solid Apres Ski scene. With a super streamlined online system, renting skis has never been more efficient. The warm and helpful staff can answer any question you have regarding your equipment, gondola timing, and the current conditions. 

Where to Stay Spotlight: Mandala Spa Boracay

Boracay has recently got a bad rap. Locals with the common complaint of overcrowding from tourists, mom and pop bakeries replaced by McDonalds and Pizza Huts, and beautiful beaches speckled with liter from last night’s party. All of these signs force you to believe this island may have already seen it’s prime. Then you arrive at the Mandala Spa and Resort on the south side of the island, and everything starts to feel right again. 

This lush and luxurious oasis with a health-conscious vibe is nestled in the hilltop of the up-and-coming Station 3. From the digital detox garden bungalows to the spa-like pool villas with sweeping views of the pristine beaches below, this family run resort is equally as intimate as it is comfortable. 

Mornings brought in with fresh squeezed mango juice, quinoa pancakes, and homemade granola made me question if I somehow transported to a boutique hotel in West Hollywood. The well-appointed spa, daily yoga in the expansive onsite studio, and friendly staff create the perfect escape from all the hustle and bustle of busy streets below. 

We lounged by the infinity pool, played our favorite tunes, ate healthy snacks, did yoga, got massages, and finally felt like we were feeling and seeing the simple magic that this island has to offer. From the warm smiles from the happy staff, to the way the garden lights wink at your on the way to your room… this resort is more than just a hotel, it’s a fully immersive escape.

Where to Stay Spotlight: Koh Chang

After a short 45 minute flight from Bangkok, I landed in what felt like a Thai version of Disneyland. Exiting the plane at the bite-size airport in Trat, I boarded the cutest little tram-like vehicle and rode in the open air, past fresh hedges cut into the shapes of elephants. The dream.

I grabbed my bags and got into a taxi. We drove for about five minutes then joined the queue for the frequent ferry over to Koh Chang. Once on the ferry, I got out van, stretched my legs, and took in the views with a fresh bottle of Chang local beer. We arrived on Koh Chang 20 minutes later and drove up through the mountainous terrain to the tropical oasis of Emerald Cove. 

This beautiful, 165 room, 4-star resort is airy, elegant and has absolutely everything you need to relax and fade away on a tropical vacation without totally emptying your wallet. After a chilled lemongrass and jasmine towel to the face and a much needed welcome drink, I was fully checked into my ocean-view suite. The staff was extremely helpful with any request I could drum up and had plenty of recommendations for ways to spend the day. 

The resort is located on Klong Prao Beach, where the tide is rather high (there are certain times of the day where the water comes right up to the wall barrier) but the water is warm and clean. Breakfast is an incredible spread of fresh tropical fruits, pastries, and thai specialities as well as fresh juices and an omelette station. I spent my days basking in the sun, sipping on fruity drinks and taking a dip in their amazing 165-foot infinity pool. 

Pastel sunsets brought in by live music, happy hour drinks, and beach barbecues made me fully appreciate my annual vacation before the holidays. The spa was well appointed with plenty of staff on hand to offer traditional Thai massages for a mind-blowing bargain, only possible in South East Asia. The front desk also helped me with everything from booking a private day trip on a speedboat to sharing their favorite local dive bar on the island. 

Emerald Cove has all the modern amenities and comforts of home, in a modern and sophisticated atmosphere, a truly rare find on the remote and casual island of Koh Chang. From the rooms to the food, massages to the daily ringing bell of happy hour… Emerald Cove was everything I needed in a beach resort and more. It’s the perfect place to call home while discovering all that Elephant Island has to offer. 

Rates start at $120/per night for standard room.

A Jungle Oasis in Seminyak

By the time my feet hit the warm water of my spiced citrus bath, I had been traveling by planes, trains, and automobiles for over eight hours. With my morning commute starting in the chaotic city of Bangkok, it’s no wonder my body and mind were craving a secluded, spa-like oasis in the heart of bohemian Seminyak. Twenty minutes after our driver picked us up from the Denpasar airport, we turned down the cobblestone path lined with bamboo that led to The Amala Resort. 

After checking in at the front desk, we were taken to the spa area and given a complimentary massage, while our bags were being brought to the room. These small thoughtful nuances, defined what a luxurious resort should embody. Whether it was the daily changeout of local tropical fruit in the morning, with information and even sometimes eating instructions, to the wide assortment of oils, soaps, lotions, and cremes available in endless supply to enjoy both in the private outdoor plunge bath or the steam shower (both conveniently located within the complex of our Spa Villa) was merely the icing on the cake. 

Being a yoga enthusiast, I was ecstatic to learn that the resort held a 90 minute yoga session every morning at 8am. After stretching, bending, and holding poses in the rising morning heat, I was always fully ready to indulge in the inclusive breakfast spread. I opted for one juice and one smoothie everyday, as I find it helps me fight any bugs I may have caught on the plane, jet lag, while giving me energy and hydration for the day. I also varied my selections each morning ranging from avo eggs on toast to organic yogurt muesli and fresh fruit. 

After these filling meals we would spend the days lounging on the sun beds, going for a skinny dip in our private plunge pool, or sneaking away on our rented scooter to catch the sunset on the beach. No matter what was on the daily agenda, coming back to our own little stand alone safe haven was one of the most refreshing feelings when traveling so far away from the comforts of home. 

This was the first stop during our 12 day stay in Bali, and it started the trip off on just the right note. With an incredibly attentive staff, helping us organize not only our scooter rental, and spa appointments but also a few beach excursions, and a property that is close enough to the beach but far enough out of the way to feel secluded, these private villas are the perfect way to explore all that Seminyak has to offer.

Soaking Up the Sun: Four Seasons Jumeriah

Reporting live from the pool at the Four Seasons in Jumeirah Beach… where I am lazily absorbing my daily dose of vitamin-d, working on my tan lines, and sipping on an avocado smoothie. Sounds like a hard day on the job... no? I am, however, also currently pitching a few new travel articles from my summer abroad... so there is a lot of research and editing going on from my side of the chaise lounge. ;)

I was inspired by the lush and tropical surroundings this morning at breakfast so I opted to match the scenery. My reversible bikini, that I bought from the San Lorenzo store in Malibu, could not have been more on-fleek for the occasion. I loved that I honestly got 4 bikinis for the price of one. Which is of course why I wore the bottoms on the green and the top on the printed side.

My sunhat was an incredible find, bought only a few weeks ago at the main marina in Newport, Rhode Island. Fear not… I will be posting all about that fabulous trip once I am back in the states.

I stayed hydrated all day with orange and cucumber infused water... Which was incredibly refreshing, especially since I often get bored of drinking plain-o-janeo water. I would've loved to have taken a photo of my avocado smoothie but it started losing its form rather quickly due to the extreme heat, so naturally I inhaled it to insure it didn't go to waste ;).

Lastly, as a lover of the sun and a total beach bunny... I always bring some form of SPF wherever I go. I absolutely love the smell of the Korres walnut and coconut oil spray that’s factor 20 and I secretly love that I end up smelling like a crispy coconut macaroon after a long day in the rays.

Xx